General Information

The island you refer to is Olango, it's some kind of bird sanctuary, but is also inhabited. I usually rented a banca on Mactan and cruised the strait between Mactan and Olango for several hours, stopping at the reataurant on stilts for lunch. We would then go midway back towards the end of Mactan nearest Cebu City and "swim" (I would swim and the girls would walk on the reef). Nice way to spend a day.

I believe the best beaches on Mactan are at the resorts, the Filipino places I stayed at had little, if any beach (Cebu Marine for one, have forgotten the others). But I digress, I did not go there for beaches, LOL.

[QUOTE=Spam Hog]I understand the jet boat to Bohol is offering some sort of promo over the next few months, one way trip is P520, return for P380 or something.
[/QUOTE]Is this jet boat from Mactan island?

And the return trip for P380 is that for both ways or for each way on a return ticket = P760 return?

I would appreciate any more info you have on this (eg. name of company, phone number, website, departure times etc).

Thanks!

[QUOTE=Correspondent]Is this jet boat from Mactan island?

And the return trip for P380 is that for both ways or for each way on a return ticket = P760 return?

I would appreciate any more info you have on this (eg. name of company, phone number, website, departure times etc).

Thanks![/QUOTE]

The Jet boat leaves pier one in Cebu, several times during the day, (9 :30 and 11:50 A>M) are two times I remember. Round trip to Taglibaran (Bohol) is P520 regarding this special. You can get a ticket at most travel outlets in Cebu, there is one in Ayala Mall where you can get that and Cebu air along with various ferries. I'm not sure if they have a website, probably do, just type in a word search for jetboat, Bohol, Cebu.

Regards

Spamhog

In addition to what Spamhog says....

It is not a "jet boat". The name of the company (or service?) is "ocean jet". It is relatively faster than other boats that ply the waters of the Philippines.

The boat goes to Bohol and then on to Dumaguete, Negros. Each leg is about 90 minutes. There are other destinations.

Pier One is just a short walk from Fort San Pedro / St. Nino church in downtown Cebu city.

[url]http://www.oceanjet.net/[/url]

[QUOTE=Correspondent]Is this jet boat from Mactan island?

And the return trip for P380 is that for both ways or for each way on a return ticket = P760 return?

I would appreciate any more info you have on this (eg. name of company, phone number, website, departure times etc).

Thanks![/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Base Runner]I will be in Cebu for a month or two and looking for a condo for rent for short term. I have never been to Cebu and wondering what area are the nicer areas. If any one knows of a web site that might be helpful in finds short term vacation rentals please pass them on. Any information would be helpful. Thank You.[/QUOTE]

One month rent is pretty much a hotel, unless you are looking at 4 or 5 star. But they too are really like a hotel, just that they have kitchens.

Reluctantly, I recomend Richmond Plaza for month to month. It's about 2-3 star and the price is EXCELLENT discount. I think I just had bad luck last time I did a 1 1/2 month stay. Problems (nothing HUGE). Prior stay was great.

They are the best value. Check 'em out.

Right now am staying in a place had never known about which is directly across from ayala. The Royal park ...Great for 2-3* Litle like mango park but much better price.

[QUOTE=X Man]Can't answer since you didn't give enough info. There is no beach in Cebu city, so how far out of the city are you willing to travel?

The nearest "beaches" are on Mactan Island, which is where the airport is.

I have gone swimming just north of Cebu City at Carman, but the shore was rocky. Does anyone know if there is a beach south of Cebu City -- maybe near Talisay. That could be a one day trip.

So, where is the best beach on Mactan?
Which beach resorts on Mactan are reasonably priced?
(I understand Hadsens is where the locals go)
Where is the best beach on the island of Cebu?

In Cebu City, you can go to Pier One, Ocean Jet ferry can take you to Taclabaran Bohol in 90 minutes, and then a 20/30 minute drive to the white sand of Alona Beach.[/QUOTE]

At the risk of bringing competition to a place that often sells out the good accomidation, I have to point out that Xman is right and there is little reason to go anywher other than Alona, or Pangloa in general. It's quite quick to get there. You could go for just the day, but should at least spend the night. To my thinking it's go more than Bantayan or further places. There a nice mixure of foreiners on Alona so it can be a little social if you want that. There is awsome snorkling and diving all around the island. There are also excurtsions to smaller islands for scuba.

But it's quiet enough that you can be alone with your honey.

As to Mactan, you can go to Maribango Blue Waters(spelling wrong) which is about 5-8 USD to use their beach. There is another more afordable resort which will let you use their beach and has a decent one. I THINK name begins with "B". Blue waters is definately best best. Hasan or whatever has a crappy beach and a TON of Filipinos (families mostly) and almost no white guys/girls.

I'm horrible remembering names, but I may be taking out a six month lease near country mall, which I THINK is in Banilad. Across from country mall is the relatively new "Banilad town center". From talking to a Filipino employee of mine, this is the best place to meet "good" girls in a BAR setting. I don't like the discos because you can't talk.

This area of cebu is considered relatively more expensive. I would guess tourist don't know to go there and aren't interested in the middle class girls (went to college, have more in common with me) there . Sunflower may have a similar mix ...many girls are not poor or uneducated unless they are doing P2P there, She mentioned there are 2 or 3 such bars and I should go there. What I would want to do is find "middle class" girls for casual nookie (a hit or miss) or as girlfriend.

I really know of no other Bars with this description, unless the music is too loud to talk. Anyone been to these...care to give a "review" of them?

Are we talking about Gaisiano Country Mall? I've been in the area a few times. There is a relatively new place called Badger which caters to foreigners. It is a sports bar / restaurant. Once I was upstairs and they had a tango lesson going on with a few hotties. I don't think you'll find many ladies here that are unaccompanied, but you never know. Going toward the mall from Cebu, it would be on the right side just past the intersection after the mall. If things are still the same, you will find different flags of the world in the 1st floor windows which you can see from the street. I've never had a taxi driver who knew where the place was. It would be an easy walk from the mall though.

On the same side, but before the mall, there is a Pinoy disco / live music place. It has a unique and clever name, but I cannot remember it to save my life. I'm thinking opposites... Naughty and Nice? Someone help me out here. When I was there it seemed to be mostly large groups and noise would be a factor. Find a table near the ladies rest room.

In the mall, try the Lighthouse Restaurant (for food).

X Man

[QUOTE=Wander Luster]I'm horrible remembering names, but I may be taking out a six month lease near country mall, which I THINK is in Banilad. Across from country mall is the relatively new "Banilad town center". From talking to a Filipino employee of mine, this is the best place to meet "good" girls in a BAR setting. I don't like the discos because you can't talk.

This area of cebu is considered relatively more expensive. I would guess tourist don't know to go there and aren't interested in the middle class girls (went to college, have more in common with me) there . Sunflower may have a similar mix ...many girls are not poor or uneducated unless they are doing P2P there, She mentioned there are 2 or 3 such bars and I should go there. What I would want to do is find "middle class" girls for casual nookie (a hit or miss) or as girlfriend.

I really know of no other Bars with this description, unless the music is too loud to talk. Anyone been to these...care to give a "review" of them?[/QUOTE]

Think I first visited it about 3 years ago, last visit about a year or more ago, and yes I did get lucky there with two nice non professional girls, but it was a case of luck more than anything else. Had a friend with me, he took pretty ones girl friend. We never expected to score there, but score we did.

Someone I have known for about 20 odd years was Manager then and he had no intention of encouraging hookers, but numbers were down and the wages have to come from somewhere, might as well be sophisticated hookers and mongers.

I have not returned since cause its out of the way for me and they play the music and sports casts too loud for my liking. Nice furnishings, lots of money spent on the place but doubt it will ever amount to anything. My friend manager is not the jovial type nowadays, he got married to a Filipina, you know what I mean. A place like Badger needs a smiley sociable type to make people feel welcomed. It's rather a soul less place for me.

I don't know if the Sandpit is still operating, not far away from Badger. Always forget to check it out. Much more lively place, but long time since I have visited it.

Our Place downtown has had a resurrection of sorts last time I was in town, but you still have to run the gauntlet of pimps to get in and out of the place.

Ever since the demise of the Kentucky Bar, Cebu has lacked a decent watering hole.

If anyone knows of a good bar, minus hookers, where guys can have a nice break from "buy me ladies drink" and the like, please lets know.

I think the name you are looking for is Sinners and Saints. A hit and miss place IMHO

Thanks Vigo, Yes, "hit or miss", I think I implied that in my post. I seem to remember the beer was warm and the service was poor. But, it is a popular place with the locals.

Come to think of it, "hit or miss" would also be a good name for a bar.

X

[QUOTE=Vigo]I think the name you are looking for is Sinners and Saints. A hit and miss place IMHO[/QUOTE]

I was in Cebu two weeks ago and I found El Gecko (owned by a Swede and a Brit) located on Mango Ave between Mango Park Hotel and the Mango Ave girlie bars. Opens at 6 or 7pm 'til late.

Just guys drinking, listening to Eric Clapton and chatting with the pretty pinay bartenders (say hey, Juvy), very chill.

They serve mexican food but the pizza looked good, regrettably didn't sample either.

Arrived in Cebu on Monday morning. Staying at the Rajah Hotel, 2400 p for a standard room (double), includes breakfast for two. I like it becasue it is centrally located and don't mind walking.

Went to McDonalds for breakfast and a girl sitting there followed me to a nearby internet cafe and sat down next to me. Gave me sad story about needing money to get papers for a job. Again, I politely, but firmly refused.

Approached many times while walking to Mango Ave bars, especially near the "National Book Store." A rather good looking one offered her services. When I menioned the "things" I wanted her to do she willingly said yes. However, Mr. Priapus took a back seat to my good sense, I finally told her no. Street action is just a little dangerous. Lot of pimps on Mango Ave with what appeared to be "very young" girls - be careful.

For old times sake did the usual rounds, Dimples, Papilon, Viking, etc., are all bars with a 1700-2000 Bfine. What a ripoff. Need to find/try new places.

Lonestar was ok. Bfine was 750p, but the girl wanted 2000, did not feel like negotiating so I left.

Of note - Exotica is now called Stars, stopped in but did not stay, only had one dancer. It had the look of a sick animal.

The owner of the Black Hole made it smaller and opened another club right next door. It actually looks like there are two Black Holes. Don't know if the heavens are ready for two Black Holes.

Teribble experience in "BGs Bikini Bar" next to Eric the Reds. Went in to have a drink. Because I would not chat up one of their girls the bartendress actually started ridiculing me. I mean this was not joking, it was the real deal in ridicule. Just turned and walked out. My advice is steer clear of this place.

Silver Dollar again was the best place for the money. Drank there for a awile, moved on to the other bars, but came back again. Bar fined a cutie named "Merle." Great bj and preety good lay. Funny thing, she would not do it doggie because she claimed her "pussy makes air sucking noise." Only problem was she claimed her mother was in from Bohol and wanted to leave around 6am. Don't know if it is true but, what the hell, she was still a little demon in the sack.

One more night and on to Manila

Okay Gents here are a few "daytime" bars or regular places where you wont be hasseled by hustlers pushing lady drinks or whatever.

The sandtrap is still alive and kicking, however it has changed a great deal,
No more "driving range" that gave it its name, it was a tennis court but now zero.

Sinners and Saints I've reported on a few times, right across from "Country Mall" not open until 9 PM, a rather upscale crowd where you might just meet an upscale lady, mainly a Filipino crowd.

Ratsky's in inside Ayala Mall, (open in afternoon) the end with all the resturaunts, a band which can get noisy later in the evening but you can sit at the bar away from it. Rather high priced drinks, I see upscale ladies in here On a Fri/Sat nightbut they are not as bold or forward as those in sunflower, but some do give you "the look"

Also in Ayala Mall is "Hap Japs fusion" an outside terrace inside bar, but a bit high priced, as is Tequila Joe's, nice bar, wide screen TV and a great menu.

Also try "Eddies" coffee shop, open from 7 am until 2 PM, closes in the afternoon until six that evening then open again. GREAT DECOR, like an old west Saloon, with some interesting taxidermy works and antiques. Since Im a teetotaler, I like this place for the menu, great apple pie & coffee, nice to sit at the bar and watch HBO but you can have a beer before lunch time too. Located on Birones st near Sto Nino Basilica.

Problem is he closes in the afternoon.



Good luck and stay outta the sun!


Spamhog

Thanks Spamhog for that Bar info , some of which I did not know about and will try when next in town.

Although I have my initials burnt into one of the poles at Eddies Coffee Shop Bar. Coffee Shop started in the 1950's no less. Did you ever meet Eddie ? What a character , what stories he had to tell. Some say they were just that , stories , I say no , he was the type , had the money , name , and looks to experience those things. He offered to go into business with me , but I do not like partnerships. I am not a team player , as some already know. Never knew if he was serious about the offer , he certainly covered some topics including that partnership in another country where I resided !

Yes , seeing I had been a customer for so many years one of the Waiters burnt my initials onto one of the poles. He told me only VIP's get that treatment. I think my consistently generous tips over the years and the hopes of more , had something to do with it too , ha ha.

Papa Wheelie , I offered you free beers if your nominated bar turns out to be suitable for my purposes , that is , talking bullshit at bars , ha ha. That post wifh offer in it has disappeared. Perhaps the software does not believe me.

I am not joking about that offer , if its my kind of oasis , its on , free beers for a night. Ask Juven if she ever worked at Kentucky Bar , although she'd be in her 40's now if she is one and the same Juven who worked there in the 1980's

Nice Board , Cebu Board , plenty happening.